Section : Bodywork and Interior

Chassis, bodywork, interior, instrumentation.

Which mig welder

Posted By : Vivian Newlove, 11-Aug-2003, 10:07pm

Hi, I am about start body work repairs on my spitfire, and need some advice as to which mig welder to purchase ie. size, make, and value for money. Viv. PS. If anyone knows of a suitable one for sale second hand I would be interested.

Followups :

Which mig welder

Posted By : Danny Stroud, 11-Aug-2003, 10:41pm

Hi Vivian,
I use a SIP Migmate, its not the cheapest but its easy to use and preforms well.
Danny
- Which mig welder
  
  Posted By : James Lavery, 13-Aug-2003, 01:18am
  
  Hi Vivian,
  I have a Cebora 130 amp turbo mig that can be used on 240v. The range is plenty big enough to include chassis welding. The gas i use is Argon with 5 percent Co2. This gives a much better and cleaner weld that straight Co2. The advice about buying a reactalite face mask is first class and you would find it invaluable.
  Good luck Jim
Which mig welder

Posted By : Nigel Gibbins, 12-Aug-2003, 09:35am

I'm not sure about makes/model etc but a couple of bits of advice...

Whichever you go for get a Gas system - avoid gasless - as the quality of the weld is much better.

Also, make sure it is at lesat 150 amps, I'm using a 100 amp one and it's only just up to some of the heavier jobs. A 150 amp machine will be able to do some chassis work too.

NiG
http://www.niginthecar.net
- Which mig welder
  
  Posted By : Michael Davis, 12-Aug-2003, 10:49am
  
  I have a 150 amp welder but can't use the maximum setting from a 13A supply, it needs 16A at that rating.
  
  I bought a SIP machine from http://www.theweldingwarehouse.com
  
  They were cheaper than anyone else at the time even after shipping and the like.
  
  I also bought a reactive helmet. That's not a cheap bit of kit but works really well leaving both hands free and with the eye shield not being really dark before the arc strikes so you can see where you're aiming the torch. Once the arc strikes it instantly goes dark so you can carry on.
  
  Mik